101 Sand n' Surf Hotspots |
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1 |
Red Beach Santorini, Greece |
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Santorini, the
quintessential Greek isle in the Cyclades, features houses stacked on
cliffs with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, fresh seafood and an
incredible atmosphere. With several local white- and black-sand beaches,
Red Beach is possibly the most stunning, thanks to a nearby collapsed
volcano and cave houses in the cliff side that were turned into
luxurious holiday resorts.
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2 |
Ruby Beach Forks, WA |
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Ruby Beach is
accessible from a trail that cuts through the maritime forest and leads
to the coast. When travelers reach the end, they can go south to the
glorious Ruby Beach or head north to the mouth of the Hoh River.
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3 | Ipanema Beach Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
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The most-visited city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro offers an endless supply of water- and land-based activities. Complete with a surreal cityscape, unbelievable sand and surf, and some of the most beautiful people in the world, Ipanema Beach offers an eyeful of wonder of various kinds.
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4 | Matira Beach Matira Point, French Polynesia |
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Bora Bora is one of the most secluded,
most romantic islands in the world, with surreal and captivating beauty.
The water is a kaleidoscope of shimmering jade, sapphire and turquoise
blues.
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5 | Cape Hatteras National Seashore Avon, NC |
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As one of the largest preserved parcels of the Outer Banks, this national seashore stretches across 70 miles of coastline. It encompasses 7 villages on Hatteras Island and provides visitors with undisturbed, scenic beaches, as well as some of the prettiest natural drives on the East Coast.
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6 | Playa Chac Mool Cancun, Mexico |
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Playa Chac Mool is an expansive stretch of beautiful white sand and lovely aqua waters, characterizing the beaches of Cancun. The premier party destination in Mexico — and one of the best in the entire world — this resort town is more than just a popular spring-break spot.
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7 |
Wai'anapanapa State Park Hana, HI |
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The eastern shore of Maui offers a lush world accessible by the twisting
Hana Highway, which leads to the ultimate secluded nature destination.
The otherworldly black-volcanic-sand beaches, hidden caves, tall jungle
trees and roaring, swimmable waterfalls illustrate the sensory
experience of Wai’anapanapa State Park.
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8 | Caves
Branch Jungle Lodge Belmopan, Belize |
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Suit up for adventure and invade the shadowy, ancient Mayan caves, led
by experienced Caves Branch guides. Discover primitive Mayan artifacts,
such as face carvings and original pottery, as well as natural wall
formations.
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9 |
Acadia National Park Bar Harbor, ME |
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Acadia National Park in Maine was the first national park in the eastern
US. With endless beauty and diversity, this rugged coast has many plants
and animals, as well as the tallest mountain on the country’s Atlantic
coast. Stewman’s Lobster Pound has 2 locations, the only authentic
oceanfront lobster pounds in Bar Harbor, ME.
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10 |
Playa Grande Vieques, Puerto Rico |
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Mostly unpopulated and consisting mainly of a wildlife nature reserve,
20-mile-long Vieques Island is the eco-friendly alternative for your
Puerto Rico getaway. Explore the sugar mill ruins, head to the rugged
and scenic Playa Grande Beach, or experience bioluminescence, the
process by which micro-organisms illuminate when agitated in the water,
at BioBay.
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11 |
South Beach Miami Beach, FL |
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By
day, South Beach is known for its colorful art-deco cityscape, which
provides a surreal backdrop to the crystal-blue beaches. By night, the
beach’s dynamically thriving nightlife takes over.
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12 | Rixos
the Palm Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
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Dubai’s Palm Islands make up the world’s largest man-made island — it
can literally be seen from space — and are known for providing the most
decadent of vacation experiences. Rixos the Palm Dubai is an
unprecedented 5-star resort that offers top-level rooms and suites,
gourmet chefs, spas, steam rooms, fitness centers and tons of
watersports.
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13 |
Venice Beach Los Angeles, CA |
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One of the most famous beaches and boardwalks in the world, Venice Beach
in Los Angeles hosts millions of visitors every year who come to enjoy
the sights and check out some of the wildest characters around.
Featuring quirky street performers, various vendors and exceptional
fishing, it’s no surprise that Venice Beach is a must-see.
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14 | Playa Los Cerritos Todos Santos, Mexico |
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As
one of the last places in the country that sustains its old-school
Mexican feel, Los Cerritos in Todos Santos offers extraordinary surfing
and a passionate art scene.
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15 |
CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa Anguilla, United Kingdom |
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Anguilla is one of the smaller Caribbean islands — and one of its
best-kept secrets. Mere steps from the beach on Rendezvous Bay sits the
exclusive CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa. It’s surrounded by lush,
tropical plant life and the world’s only hydroponic farm.
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16 |
White Sand Beach Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand |
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In
the isolated islands of the Trat province, on the western shore of Ko
Chang, lies gorgeous White Sand Beach. Relax in the beach’s rain forest
while swimming with gentle elephants, bathe in the spectacular jungle
waterfalls, and then eat to your stomach’s content at one of many
roadside venders with goodies grilled to perfection.
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17 |
White Beach de Boracay Malay, Aklan, Philippines |
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This picturesque white-sand beach and its incredibly delicious local
cuisine and intense watersports define bliss in the Philippines.
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18 |
Grotto Beach Hermanus, South Africa |
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For adventurous travelers, a trip to the great white shark and whale
capital of the world is a must. After taking one of the many shark and
whale tours, head to Grotto Beach to relax with a gorgeous mountainous
backdrop and rolling yet gentle waves.
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19 | Banje
Beach Dubrovnik, Croatia |
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Banje Beach, a pebble and sand beach with a view of the Old Town, is in
the heart of Dubrovnik. The perfect oasis here is Eastwest Beach Club,
ideal for relaxing on the lounge chairs and exotic bamboo beds, sipping
cocktails or decompressing with a deep-tissue body massage.
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20 |
Red Frog Beach Bocas del Toro, Panama |
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The Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro is a blend of soothing
luxury, raw culture and untamed rain forests. Red Frog Beach Island
Resort on Isla Bastimentos is a perfect mix of all 3.
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21 |
North Malé Atoll Maldives |
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The North Malé Atoll, which is nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean
off the coast of Sri Lanka, is home to secluded, immaculate beaches,
private bungalows and remarkable ocean views.
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22 |
Playa Solmar Cabo San Lucas, Mexico |
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Long considered one of the top tourist destinations in the world, this
city on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula is home
to some of the hottest beaches, resorts, clubs and, of course, people.
It contains pristine beaches great for lounging or going for a swim, as
well as some of the best restaurants in the entire country.
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23 |
Atlantic City Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ |
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Atlantic City, NJ, is recognized for its vibrant casino scene and the
longest boardwalk in the world. Filled with great eats, this strip
features the Steel Pier amusement park and hosts the annual Thunder Over
the Boardwalk air show.
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24 |
Princess Margaret Beach Port Elizabeth, Bequia St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
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Feel like a native by taking a walk down a hidden path to the secret
Princess Margaret Beach, and enjoy the area’s unspoiled treasures on
Bequia Island. Relish the extensive stretch of private oceanfront
looking out toward the bay and yachts, and marvel at some of the most
unusual volcanic cave structures in the world.
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25 |
Fornillo Beach Positano, Italy |
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Beautiful Fornillo Beach is a hidden secret in the beloved fishing
village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. A small, pebble-stone beach at
the bottom of a plunging cliff face, it sits to the west of Marina
Grande, the main beach in Positano.
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26 |
Bondi Beach Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
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Only a few miles away from downtown Sydney lies one of the greatest
beachfronts on the planet, Bondi Beach. This roughly half-mile strip of
beach, its boardwalk and the town serving as its backdrop offer enough
amenities and activities to make it the perfect sand and surf hot spot.
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27 |
Hollywood Beach Hollywood, FL |
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Located 10 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach is a
family-friendly, historical beach city that has been popular since the
1920s.
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28 |
Lahaina Beach Lahaina, HI |
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On
the western shore of Maui, Lahaina is a beach community famous for the
many shops and restaurants that line Front Street, located right on the
water. The Old Lahaina Luau is a premier destination with Hawaiian
culture and cuisine.
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29 | Luquillo
Beach Luquillo, Puerto Rico |
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The public beach of Luquillo is one of the most beautiful in Puerto
Rico, but its proximity to rain forests, particularly El Yunque National
Forest, is what draws visitors here from around the world. Luquillo
Beach is a huge plantation of majestic coconut palm shades and more than
a mile of fine, shimmering sand.
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30 |
Soufriere Beach Soufriere, Saint Lucia |
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St. Lucia holds the distinction of being the most mountainous island in
the Caribbean. Trek to the Pitons in Soufriere and take an ATV ride
through the rain forests, right up to private beaches and waterfalls.
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31 | Rehoboth
Beach Rehoboth Beach, DE |
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Rehoboth Beach, DE, is the ultimate red-hot American summer beach, not
to mention the skim-boarding capital of the East Coast.
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32 | St Jean
Beach Saint Barts |
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Located in the Leeward Islands in the northeastern Caribbean, St. Barts
is a premier location for young, hot, hip tourists looking to party all
night and kick back on St. Jean Beach all day.
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33 |
Driftwood Beach Jekyll Island, GA |
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This tranquil island off the coast of Georgia is known for its ideal
shrimping waters and distinctive stretches of sand. Called a Gothic tree
graveyard because of its haunting driftwood bundles, Driftwood Beach is
mesmerizing.
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34 | Playa
Paraiso Tulum, Mexico |
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A
town in Mexico that has been continuously inhabited for thousands of
years — with the architecture to prove it — Tulum is a destination that
is not to be missed for history lovers. For those who wish to swim in
some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, it also provides spots such as
El Paraiso Hotel.
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35 | Rodeo
Beach San Francisco, CA |
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Experience the best of the San Francisco area’s nature at a black-sand
pebble beach in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where
semiprecious stones are hidden among the tall, rolling cliffs. There are
miles of hiking and biking trails alongside the towering sequoia trees
within the park.
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36 | Cala'n
Porter Cala'n Porter, Spain |
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Cala’n Porter is a thriving destination with not only natural beauty,
but also all the amenities you could possibly need for a great break
from regular life.
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37 | Oregon
Dunes Reedsport, OR |
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South Jetty Beach is a perfect pit stop along the 382-mile Oregon Coast
Trail, which stretches mostly through beaches and state parks.
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38 | Lake
Atitlán Solola, Guatemala |
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The Laguna Lodge overlooks the azure water of Lake Atitlán from its
perch in its own private nature reserve. Guests can indulge in the
luxury of this boutique hotel while gazing across at 3 scenic volcanoes.
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39 | Ölüdeniz Fethiye, Turkey |
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Just south of Ölüdeniz is Butterfly Valley, a breathtaking geological
fjord on the Mediterranean Sea. As a preserved natural site where there
is no land development or construction, the only accommodation
facilities here are tents and bungalows. Butterfly Valley offers
opportunities to bathe in waterfalls, hike through lush valleys and
watch magnificent sunsets over the cliffs.
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40 | Montauk,
NY Montauk, NY |
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Montauk has become a sought-after destination for local and foreign
travelers looking for the perfect place for relaxation, wellness,
sunshine, surfing, fishing, exceptional dining and unparalleled majestic
sunsets.
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41 | San
Alfonso Del Mar Resort Alagarrobo, Chile |
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Sal Alfonso del Mar is a private resort in Algarrobo, Chile, that is
home to the largest swimming pool in the world, with 66 million gallons
of treated Pacific Ocean water. In this record-breaking pool, visitors
can take part in watersports such as sailing, snorkeling and scuba
diving.
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42 | Soneva
Kiri Trat, Koh Kood District, Thailand |
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Charter a private plane and speedboat to reach the remote Soneva Kiri Resort
and Beach. Sitting on Thailand's fourth-largest and least-populated
island, Koh Kood, Soneva Kiri combines a resort getaway on a private
beach with untamed wilderness.
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43 | Surfers
Paradise Gold Coast City, Queensland Australia |
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Surfers Paradise in Queensland, Australia, is prime time for the
international surfing crowd. Whether you’re surfing, boogie-boarding,
skim-boarding, kite-boarding or cliff diving, the water is always
packed. Surfers Paradise also has a booming boardwalk, a flourishing
nightlife and an impressive, 1,058-foot-tall tower with an observation
deck that provides 360-degree views of the city.
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44 | South
Padre Island South Padre Island, TX |
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South Padre Island is a 34-mile stretch of sandy bliss in the Gulf of
Mexico and is considered to be the hottest destination in Texas for
spring-break partiers. Most of the year, this small island is a serene
beach oasis, but when summer hits, it morphs into a wild beach bash with
thousands of college students.
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45 |
Buccament Bay Saint Vincent, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
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Rolling hills, submerged volcanoes, breathtaking rain forests and
picturesque waterfalls make up Buccament Bay on St. Vincent. Amid its
150 square miles of real estate, this Caribbean island — which has been
continuously inhabited for centuries — has black- and white-sand
beaches, as well as many ancient and colonial ruins.
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46 | Key West Key West, FL |
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Key West is one of the many small Florida islands famous for their
amazing beaches, crystal-clear water and the only living coral barrier
reef in the continental US. The Keys span 110 miles and are connected
through bridges, waterways and airports, making these islands easily
accessible by land, sea and air.
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47 | Gordon
Beach Tel Aviv, Israel |
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With an urban beach alongside a world-class city, ancient streets and
modern nightlife, Tel Aviv is the “Miami on the Mediterranean.”
Gordon Beach is the center of Tel Aviv’s action, with volleyball,
swimming pools, playgrounds and scantily clad beach bods.
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48 | West End
Cliffs Negril, Jamaica |
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Come to Negril for the beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, and
take a trip to the biggest hot spot in all of Jamaica, Rick’s Café on
the West End Cliffs. Situated on a rugged cliff jutting out over the
sea, this bar is the ultimate dining destination. Become spoiled with
amazing local food and drink, or hang out in the bar’s pool, with
unimaginable views as you watch the sun melt behind the horizon.
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49 | Kourion
Beach Cyprus |
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Kourion Beach in Limassol, Cyprus, is slightly off the beaten path, but
it boasts 5-star hotels, the ancient Tombs of the Kings and superb scuba
diving in a massive shipwreck. Romantic cliffs and turquoise water make
this a stunning sand and surf destination, while in the town square,
local performers put on a fantastic show of traditional dancing and
bouzouki playing.
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50 | Santa
Cruz Beach Santa Cruz, CA |
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Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Cruz features a vibrant
blend of the beach cultures of the West Coast and Hawaii. After an
appetite-building day on the sand, head to the boardwalk for some
mouthwatering California beach specialties, such as deep-fried artichoke
slathered in garlic butter, homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, caramel
apples and crispy-sweet chocolate-covered bacon.
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51 | Fire
Island Fire Isle Pines, NY |
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A
hidden beach oasis just an hour from Manhattan, Fire Island has no paved
roads and limited Internet access. Visit the 40-acre Sunken Forest, one
of the last remaining maritime forests on the eastern seaboard.
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52 | Silver
Mine Beach Bay Hong Kong, China |
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At
Silver Mine Bay Beach on the Hong Kong island of Lantau, you can find
some of the spiciest fresh seafood and stay in a hidden resort that was
once a jailhouse. This small fishing town is an ideal launching pad to
explore other parts of Lantau Island, including the famous Big Buddha,
the Po Lin Monastery and the stilt houses of Tai O village.
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53 | San
Montano Beach Ischia, Italy |
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Experience the thermal hot springs that are heated by underground
volcanoes throughout Ischia Island, which is one of the Phlegraean
Islands. Set among soaring mountains, the area has a unique character
that’s evident in everything from its delightful dishes and
thirst-quenching drinks to its rich history and refined architecture.
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54 | Waikiki
Beach Honolulu, HI |
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With surfing, canoeing, volcanic backdrops, luaus and offshore shark
dives, Waikiki Beach is indisputably the most popular Hawaiian
destination.
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55 | Patong
Beach Phuket, Kathu District, Thailand |
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Patong Beach in the Kathu District of Phuket offers a stunning beach
scene by day and a notorious club scene by night. Step off the shore and
party into the night at some of the many electric bars and clubs.
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56 | Vik
Beach Vík-Handelssted, Iceland |
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Vik Beach in Vik-Handelssted, Iceland, is the only place in the world
where you can experience a rare black-sand beach, stand on an absolutely
gargantuan glacier and take in the ice-packed caldera of an active
volcano, all in one day.
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57 | Cane Bay Frederiksted, Virgin Islands (US) |
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On
the west side of the island of St. Croix is a palm-tree-lined beach
called Cane Bay. It’s renowned for its diving expeditions, and visitors
can navigate to one of the world’s deepest trenches or journey into the
rain forest to find Cheech, a native who carves unique sculptures from
island mahogany.
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58 | Ocean
City Ocean City, MD |
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Ocean City, MD, is the action-packed beach hub of the East Coast. It
exudes all-American spirit with a historical boardwalk, golden sandy
beaches and classical good eats.
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59 | Boulders
Beach Cape Town, South Africa |
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Boulders Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, has powdery white-sand
beaches, gleaming turquoise waters and a glorious boardwalk. It is
famous for its nearly 3,000 friendly, beach-dwelling penguins.
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60 | Secret
Beach Dominica |
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Tucked away amid the unspoiled nature on the island of Dominica,
Secret Bay offers sustainable luxury villas and bungalows, making it the
perfect place for a Caribbean vacation. Situated on a cliff top
overlooking the Caribbean Sea, accessible only by boat, Secret Bay has 2
beaches, the magical Cario River, a spectacular sea cave and 2 distinct
microclimates.
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61 | S'Arenal
de San Antonio Ibiza |
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The stunningly beautiful Ocean Beach Ibiza is known to some as the party
capital of the world. Home to the delightfully deviant El Carnaval,
the beach has rosters of acrobats, stunt performers and dancers
lining the landscape.
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62 | Joseph
Sylvia State Beach Oak Bluffs, MA |
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From private plane tours around the island over Joseph Sylvia State
Beach to private clambakes right on the sand, Oak Bluffs is a must-visit
place in Martha’s Vineyard. This sought-after spot has become a unique
vacation destination for those who wish to experience the culture and
lifestyle of a classic New England island.
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63 | Bouley
Bay Jersey, France |
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With a reputation for some of the best seafood in Europe, a beach ride
called cart-surfing, and an ancient fort that visitors can stay in, the
island of Jersey is truly a sand and surf hot spot.
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64 | Little
Palm Island Little Torch Key, FL |
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Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys boasts a history of elite
tourists, including American presidents! Ride the Truman yacht to
get to this hammock-lined paradise.
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65 | Punta
Mona Limon, Costa Rica |
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Located countless miles from civilization, where untamed rain forests
open to the sea, Punta Mona isn’t just a destination; it’s an
educational experience. The lights are solar-powered, water is collected
by catch basin, and every extraordinary and exotic meal is sourced
entirely from the community’s permaculture farm.
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66 | Virginia
Beach Virginia Beach, VA |
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Nestled along the eastern shore of the United States, right in prime
mid-Atlantic real estate, lies the historic seaside town of Virginia
Beach. With 3 miles of boardwalk and 5.5 million visitors a year,
Virginia Beach holds the title of “world’s largest pleasure beach” in
the Guinness Book of World Records.
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67 | Folly
Beach Folly Beach, SC |
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Folly Beach in South Carolina is referred to by locals as the “Edge of
America.” This charming coastal town is home to painted sunrises and
sunsets, rich history, good food and expansive beaches.
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68 | Railay
Beach Krabi, Thailand |
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With calm, crystal-blue waters lined with 400-foot limestone cliffs,
Railay Beach is a paradise for rock climbers and base jumpers. Explore
beach caves and indulge in Thai coffee made with local beans or a
coconut stuffed with ice cream on this marvelous peninsula, which is
accessible only by boat.
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69 | Polihale
Beach Waimea, HI |
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Polihale State Park is a remote beach at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt
road from Mana Village. Getting to this beach is a road-trip adventure
in itself. You’ll feel alone in this paradise of white sand and rolling
waves against a mountainous backdrop.
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70 | Mount
Hartman Bay Saint Georges, Grenada |
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Mount Hartman Bay Estate, an independently owned boutique hotel, is in
the Caribbean paradise of Grenada. Set on a private peninsula on the
island’s southern coast, it has uninterrupted views across the bay to
the Mount Hartman Nature Reserve. Each uniquely themed room varies, from
a stone tower honeymoon suite surrounded by an infinity pool to a
waterfall suite with handcrafted stones from the ancient Arawak tribe.
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71 | Wildwood
Beach Wildwood, NJ |
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Just down the coast from Atlantic City, Wildwood is famous for all
things kitsch. Featuring multiple retro-style hotels, 5 amusement piers,
carnival games and plenty of restaurants, the Wildwood boardwalk is one
of the longest in the country.
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72 | Kanantik
Reef & Jungle Resort Hopkins Village, Belize |
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Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort successfully combines the elements of
nature and luxury by providing a sustainable, eco-sensitive and
low-impact design that preserves the natural surroundings while
providing a superior resort experience. Situated within 1,300 acres of
untouched jungle, it offers private cabanas, a saltwater pool and
world-class dining.
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73 | San Juan
Islands Olga, WA |
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With lush forests, cliff-side landscapes, fresh salmon and the chance to
see orcas swim before your eyes, the San Juan Islands are a serene
escape for nature.
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74 | Buccoo
Bay Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago |
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Buccoo Bay Beach has one the top coral reefs in the world. Watch a
famous goat race or go horseback riding through the smooth, sandy
beaches and the emerald-green sea on a trek known as Healing With
Horses.
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75 | Paradise
Beach Mykonos, Greece |
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Situated among a small series of islands in the Aegean Sea is the tiny
gem of Mykonos. It’s a dreamy destination with a wonderful kaleidoscope
of cosmopolitan shops, rocking bars, quaint windmills, homey taverns and
hidden churches, all set against a brilliant blue backdrop. Known for
massive parties and special events, such as full-moon parties and bubble
parties, Paradise Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in the
world.
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76 | Joaquina
Beach Florianópolis, Brazil |
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Florianoplis is a small island and strip of land in southern Brazil with
no fewer than 47 stunning beaches, including Joaquina Beach. The area
has been called the best place to live in Brazil by locals and expats
alike. The amazing beaches offer spectacular surfing, sand-boarding in
the rolling dunes, and a boardwalk packed with delectable cuisine.
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77 | Isla
Mujeres Isla Mujeres, Mexico |
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One of the 10 municipalities in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, Isla
Mujeres has been an important island since the time of the Mayans. Scuba
dive, snorkel, or take a glass-boat tour to experience the massive coral
reef, or spot the underwater museum of handcrafted concrete statues
designed to resemble members of the local community.
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78 | Play De
Los Lances Tarifa, Spain |
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At
Spain’s southernmost point, a world-renowned wind tunnel meets 5
straight miles of crystal-clear water, soft white sand and a rush of
surfers’ adrenaline. The result is a gathering of thousands at the
undisputed kite-surfing capital of the world.
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79 | Miramar
Beach Miramar Beach, FL |
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Miramar Beach is a Gulf shore paradise for ultimate relaxation. This
beach neighborhood brings back the feel of classic coastal enclaves with
its scenic beach roads, surf shops, fabulous restaurants, beachfront
homes and beachside resorts and condos with panoramic views of the Gulf
of Mexico.
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80 | Fowl Cay
Resort Exumas, Bahamas |
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Fowl Cay is part of the Exumas, a collection of tiny islands just south
of the capitol of Nassau. Rent a secluded villa equipped with a
personal speedboat, and get free range to explore the island, drift
through a sunlit sea cave and feed the wild swimming pigs.
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81 |
Assateague Island Berlin, MD |
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As
Maryland’s only oceanfront park, Assateague State Park borders the
Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Sinepuxent Bay on the west. The 2
miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing and
exploring secluded coves by canoe or kayak.
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82 | Pink
Sands Beach Dunmore Town, Bahamas |
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For a truly dreamy and romantic experience, travel to Pink Sands Beach
in the Bahamas for 3 miles of pristine, clear water against sand with a
rosy hue.
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83 | Old San
Juan San Juan, Puerto Rico |
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The modern city of San Juan holds a piece of history, with colorful
architecture and the Castillo San Felipe, a fort built by the Spanish
starting in the 16th century. Lounge on the packed beaches, or take
advantage of surfing and watersports. Unwind in the evening at Old San
Juan’s Barrachina Bar, the birthplace of the piña colada.
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84 | Boston
Beach Port Antonio, Jamaica |
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A
legendary mecca for fans of spicy food, Boston Beach is considered the
birthplace of Jamaican jerk seasoning. It is located on the northeastern
shores of Jamaica, the third-largest island in the Greater Antilles, and
attracts surfers and explorers seeking a glimpse of the secluded
waterfalls in the nearby rain forest.
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85 | Key
Largo Key Largo, FL |
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The first and northernmost member of the Florida Keys is the
self-proclaimed "diving capital of the world" and leaves little room for
argument. With Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary just off
shore, divers can rediscover ship wrecks from the past while also
experiencing some of the clearest water they will ever see.
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86 | Mission
Beach San Diego, CA |
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From surfing to paddleboarding on the undulating waves of the Pacific
Ocean, Mission Beach is the ultimate SoCal destination for anyone
looking to enjoy a day at the beach with a board in hand or underfoot.
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87 | An Bang
Beach Hoi An, Vietnam |
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Visit the bustling beachfront village of Hoi An on the
south-central coast of Vietnam. From the 40-mile-long stretch of powdery
sand and glimmering turquoise water to ancient hot-stone massages,
visitors will feel revitalized with energy at An Bang Beach.
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88 | Nissi
Beach Cyprus |
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Overflowing with stunning natural beauty, Ayia Napa contains the most
Blue Flag beaches per capita in the world. Stunning Nissi Beach is a
major hot spot for nightlife, as well as the home of a beautiful
historical monastery that can’t be missed.
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89 | The Dead
Sea Ein Gedi, Israel |
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Lie back and read a book while effortlessly floating in the highly
concentrated salts of the Dead Sea. Situated at the lowest point in the
world, 1,269 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is one of Israel’s major
tourist attractions. The natural minerals, salts and mud along the banks
are used for medicinal and therapeutic treatments at this hot spot.
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90 | Madaket
Beach Nantucket, MA |
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This popular vacation island off the coast of Cape Cod offers something
for everyone, from exclusive luxury hotels to a casual spot to sip
locally brewed beer.
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91 | Tyrell
Beach Bay Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada |
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The Windward Islands include the unknown island of Carriacou, whose name
means “land of many reefs.” Experience the natural wonders that exist
under the sea and the ancient traditions of shipbuilding that thrive on
land. Tyrell Bay Beach isn't to be missed either.
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92 | Gulf
Shores Gulf Shores, AL |
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A
prime beach destination for the noncoastal dwellers, Gulf Shores, AL,
boasts superb resorts and restaurants, as well as many activities and
sports, such as paddleboarding, boating and zip-lining. Don’t miss out
on the annual Shrimp Festival, which features the most delicious dishes
made from shrimp caught fresh right in the gulf.
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93 | St Pete
Beach St Pete Beach, FL |
þ | |
This heavenly beach offers a dreamy scene, with the classic Don CeSar
“Pink Palace” Hotel right on the sugary, white sand. The hotel’s
Maritana Grille boasts chef Gavin Pera, who makes the best surf-and-turf
dishes in Florida.
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94 | Maho
Beach Simpson Bay, Saint Maarten |
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Tourists flock to the southern half of St. Maarten to experience a
vacation that combines fun, relaxation and thrills. Maho Beach is a
party hot spot, featuring tons of beach bars, casinos and nightclubs.
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95 | Columbia
River Gorge Cascade Locks, OR |
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With 292,500 acres in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area,
it’s quite evident why this gorge is one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.
Snowcapped and serene, Mount Hood is a dormant volcano surrounded by an
immense national forest, making it a perfect area for snow sports,
trekking and recreational activities.
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96 | Rosewood
Mayakoba Playa del Carmen, Mexico |
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Playa del Carmen is a true paradise, with an underwater Sea Trek dive,
an ecological theme park featuring exotic wildlife and animals, and a
plethora of beachfront hotels and resorts, including Rosewood Mayakoba.
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97 | Tropical
Islands Resort Krausnick, Brandenburg, Germany |
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Located in a converted airship hangar, the Tropical Islands Resort
covers an area bigger than 8 football fields and contains a “tropical
sea” with 660 feet of sandy beachfront. Guests can tour a village with
buildings modeled after those found in Thailand, Borneo, Samoa and Bali.
There’s also a 13,000-square-foot lagoon with fountains, canals and a
whirlpool, as well as a rain forest with more than 50,000 plants of 600
different species.
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98 | North
Shore Haleiwa, HI |
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Considered to have the best waves and surfing in the world, the North
Shore of Oahu at Ehukai Beach Park is a surfer’s paradise. The area
earns that title by hosting 3 competitions in November and December to
make up the Triple Crown of Surfing.
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99 | Saadani
National Park Tanzania |
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This is one of the few places in the world where you can get up close
and personal with wild animals in the jungle or right on the beach.
Private safaris are available by 4x4, foot or boat.
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100 | Coney
Island Brooklyn, NY |
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Home to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, Coney Island offers
nearly 3 miles of sandy beaches, sunny skies and rolling waves.
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101 | Jumby
Bay Island Jumby Bay Island, Antigua and Barbuda |
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Jumby Bay is an ancient coral reef and rocky outpost, situated 2 miles
north of Antigua. Swim with a colony of stingrays by day and get a
private turtle viewing by night. With its rich wildlife, lush and
abundant landscape, and pristine beaches, Jumby Bay presents itself as a
secluded hideaway for the sophisticated and discerning traveler.
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